2017 HK election should be in line with law: political advisor

The success of Hong Kong's 2017 election hinges on the correct understanding of laws, a member of China's top political advisory body said Sunday.

The election of the Chief Executive for the special administrative region by universal suffrage in 2017 should be based on the correct understanding of the Basic Law, and the related resolutions of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said Lau Hon-chuen, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.  [Special coverage]

"Remarks against the Basic Law and plausible reasonings will mislead the Hong Kong citizens and the universal suffrage," he said.

China resumed exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997. The universal suffrage in the chief executive election is regarded as an important development in the region's political system.

In December, the Hong Kong regional government launched a five-month-long public consultation on the methods for the 2017 election and for forming the Legislative Council in 2016.

With the consultation, the regional government has been able to listen to voices from all different sides, said Lau, who is also former president of the Law Society of Hong Kong.

He said that some people with ulterior motives are spreading absurd theories concerning the election, causing quite a stir.

"Some overseas forces have also interfered, intending to make the election more complicated," Lau added.

Under the Basic Law, the Chief Executive must be responsible for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as well as the Central Government.

"How can the Chief Executive be responsible for the Central Government if he or she meanwhile acts against it?" Lau said.

The political advisor also voiced his resolute opposition against the wrong actions and remarks ignoring the "one country" principle.